End Of The Year Awards: GOOD or EVIL?

Every end of the year...the special area team struggles with the same thing...End of the Year Awards.  We're not really a fan.  We have "rules" placed on us....2 from each 4th grade class...they want a boy and a girl...and no special area can select the same student.  Well...we did away with the boy & the girl thing...because that just isn't possible sometimes.  And...over the past few years..we've been giving a deserving student awards in a couple areas.  However..one student today who deserved an award in EVERY special area...did not receive them(we did get her 2 at least!! music & art).  This really bothers me deep down.  I'd rather not give awards at all...but if I have to..shouldn't they go to the most deserving?  I had one class where 4 girls have been consistent(and amazing artists) for their whole time here at TGE.  Another class...I struggled to find 2.  

So...what do you all do?  Do you give awards? Do you have rules as well?  How do you handle it?

There has got to be a better way...and I'm open to suggestions!!  

Monster Bug Masks

As I was grading & handing back work....I couldn't remember if I posted any of these!  I think they are fun.  

MR.E ASKS 3: DALE CHIHULY

    

?WHAT?

People, I'm just as amazed as you all?!?!!? ha ha ha  But yes...Dale Chihuly was willing to be part of Mr. E Asks 3!  I don't know how I'll top this?!?!?!  

 Nashville was blessed to have his work at two locations a few years back.  As a district we created lessons that explored his work...and created Chihuly "like" projects.  I have to say...his work truly excited my students.  They loved what they were learning about....and "FORCED" their parents to take them to the locations that were displaying his work. 

HERE ARE MY CHIHULY LESSONS:  

http://www.artwithmre.com/search/label/Chihuly

HERE ARE THE CHIHULY LESSONS:

http://chihulyelementaryartlessons.weebly.com/

HERE ARE THE RESULTS FROM OUR DISTRICT:

http://mnpschihulyartlessons.blogspot.com

AND NOW....MR.E ASKS 3: DALE CHIHULY

 What inspires you to continue creating art?

"I want to make something that has never been made before, something no one has ever seen, something with power that inspires everyone who sees it, creating an unforgettable experience."

   What is one thing you feel all young people should know about being an artist?

"The whole idea of making art, as far as I'm concerned, comes from doing it over and over and over. You have to make a lot of mistakes. Mistakes made in glassblowing can become some of the most beautiful artworks. Follow your gut and create something no one has seen before."

 Nature seems to be a major source of inspiration in your work. Are there other things that inspire & influence your work?

"Being surrounded by water is really important to me. Glass is so much like water. If you let it go on its own, it almost ends up looking like something that came from the sea. I’ve always lived on or near the water.  It’s always provided a sense of inspiration for me."

PLEASE GO TO CHIHULY'S BE PAGE TO GET ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION!!!!!

http://www.chihuly.com/

Remembering

                                       

My dad would have been 65 today.  This is him at 25.....and baby Mr. E!!  We were really different in our interests(other than Star Trek)....and some of our world views. However...my dad always encouraged me to be the best me I could be! He also always wanted me to go for it....do more, go farther, and work hard at whatever it was.  He didn't want me to be the coal miner/truck driver he was....he wanted me to be uniquely me!  I love that.  I wish he could have met my wife....played with his grandbabies...seen all I have been able to do over the years.  Thankful for this man in my life and the impact he still has!!

TAEA TUESDAY!

Hey friends!!  I am the new Elementary Representative on the TAEA Board(well...TnAEA..don't want Texas to throw a fit! hee hee).  So I'm going to try to do some more "local"  posts on Tuesdays.  Even if you aren't a TnAEA person...please stop by and read them.  You might just want to relocate...or visit our great state!!  So here we go...the first TAEA TUESDAY!!!!  

!!!SUMMER CONFERENCE!!!

This is going to be a wonderful day of creating...catching up...and sharing meaningful experiences from the year that was!!!  What a great way to
"REFUEL YOUR CREATIVE SPIRIT"!!!

If you've never been to a TAEA sponsored conference/workshop....THEY ARE WONDERFUL!  If you haven't yet joined the association....come hang out with those who are & see why it is such a great organization to support!!!  Is your district providing amazing day long workshops this summer to refuel your creative spirit....probably not!  TAEA IS!!!

HERE IS THE LINK!!
http://69.195.124.150/~tnartedu/conferences/

Positively/Negatively Frustrated!

So I'm teaching Postive/Negative Space to my 2nd graders this week.  We've looked at still life art...created some...and now are making the jump to Postive/Negative Space.  I've struggled a good bit with my 2nd graders this year.  I'm not sure exactly why, but I've had to reinvent how I teach some concepts to get them to understand.  So in the midst of scratchin' my head wondering what I did wrong...I came up with this quick idea.  I used my document camera(a Ladybug) to show them.  They thought I was crazy at first when I dumped the sharpener bowl on top of the turtle.  However...they finally "GOT IT" when they saw me remove the turtle from the pile of shavings.  Don't know if you are having the same issues as me, but maybe this idea will help you too!!! 

Mr. E Asks 3: WAYNE THIEBAUD

 

YOU READ CORRECTLY!!!

WAYNE THIEBAUD

 

When I started thinking about people I'd like to interview...Mr. Thiebaud was at the top of my list!!  Though I really enjoy his older pieces...pies, cakes, candies, and such....I LOVE his landscape paintings!   He is a living legend!!!!

 

 

However...I figured I'd probably not get a response.

 

Here was the first reply.

 

"Mr. Thiebaud does not use a computer. However, I can relay the questions to him. There is no guarantee that he will respond. He is inundated with requests on a daily basis. At the age of 93 (94 in November), he does not "work" too much on tasks outside of those in his own studio and at his home. But, it is worth a shot."

 

BUT HE DID!! HE DID RESPOND!!!

I hope you enjoy the mini-interview with Mr. Wayne Thiebaud!  Oh..and I know it is Mr. E Asks 3...but I couldn't stop with just 3!!!! ha ha ha 

1) Did you have art classes in elementary, middle, and/or high school? If so, how much of an impact did it have on you?

" I do recall several "art" classes in elementary schools in southern California. Mostly very general drawing projects and classroom group mural works.  High school provided more specific opportunities. Classes in drawing and watercolor taught by a woman who had been instructed by an experienced person   Long Beach Polytechnic High School housed a major auditorium attended by the civic public for “major” events. The stage manager and technician instructed us in the designing and building and painting of sets in a professional manner."

 

2) What was your family/friends response to your desire to be an artist?

 

 " Very Supportive."

3) What words of encouragement/inspiration do you have for those desiring to pursue a life of art?

"Obtain as much professional formal instruction as possible and work very hard."

 

 

4) What is your motivation to continue creating art?

 

"Love of and long looking at fine works of art."

I'm Baaaaaaack!

 

I took a week and a day off for the birth of my daughter....and now I'm back to finish up the year!

It has felt weird not posting much.  I will do my best to get back on track.  I have some exciting interviews with some BIG NAMES!!!!!!!  So excited!!!  Stay tuned...and tell your friends, ART WITH MR. E IS THE PLACE TO BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update on Our New Edition

                                   

Some of you have been asking about our new edition.  She is doing well...though feeding time is a bit rough. She has lost a pound since being born.  Her check up went well though & the doctor isn't to worried...and we don't have to go back for two weeks...so that is good news.  My wife is doing well. This being our smallest of the three(at 8.5lbs)...she is bouncing back physically quicker than the others. I am taking a week off to be home with them.  We have 10 sick days a year that roll over...and I almost never take off.  So a week out of my 160+ days is not a problem.  Thanks for asking!!!

Caroline Joy Is Here!

                                  

The smallest of our three children....she was 8.5 lbs & 20.5 inches long.  Though...that is still pretty healthy!!  She & my wife are doing great!  Blessed!!

NO NOT YET!!!

                                       

                                                       There is no doctor in the room!!

                                   Having a little fun while we wait for Caroline Joy to arrive!!

PERSON WHO JUST WROTE ME AN E-MAIL!!!!

Hey guys..sorry for this very pointed post.  However, I just had someone wrote me a great e-mail asking a question...BUT THE E-MAIL IS LOST IN CYBER SPACE?!?!?!!? I've looked through all my folders, trash, spam...EVERYTHING!  So if you are the person who wrote me an e-mail concerning a move from elementary to middle/high school...PLEASE WRITE ME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so sorry I lost the e-mail!

Abstraction With Focal Point: 3rd Grade

I love abstract art, but I don't always love kids creating abstract art! ha ha  Sometimes it seems that they are just trying to copy what they see...and aren't listening to the questions that lead them to abstract art.  Know what I mean?  For this lesson I reviewed the Elements of Art & Principles of Design, looking both at realistic & abstract art.  We then focused on Focal Point, Balance, and Color.  During week one I had them create at drawing of an abstract piece with the above mentioned items.  They used marker and crayon to color it.  During week two...I gave them the first 15 min. to finish up their work.  Then I dropped the bomb!!! "YOU ARE NOW GOING TO CUT UP YOUR ART AND REASSEMBLE IT INTO A NEW PIECE!"  The gasps were hysterical.  We first reviewed Focal Point & Balance (color was already taken care of at this point).  They cut their pieces up & had time to arrange, rearrange, and rearrange again before gluing.  Once they came up with an arrangement they were happy with and fulfilled their Focal Point & Balance requirement...they glued their work down.  They did not have to use all of the original piece & overlapping was encouraged.  I then allowed them to use black crayon to outline, shade, segment, connect...WHATEVER!  The kids really enjoyed this project after getting over the shock of cutting up their work! ha ha

Happy Easter!!

                                  

Here is my sweet family today after church!  Amazing to think in the next few days Caroline will be in our arms!! Hope you all had a blessed day...and enjoyed time with your family!!

BABY WATCH 2014

Hey friends...I took this picture of my wife today.  It really could be any time now that Caroline Joy hatches!!  My wife is more than done!! ha ha  She's not due till May 5th...but they believe she is about 9 lbs right now!!!  Yep..we have big babies!  Eli & Margaret are very excited to see their baby sister.  The other day Eli(2 yrs old) was talking to my wife's belly..."Caroline, come out and play Legos with me!".  Love it!!!!  Stay tuned!

Jalapeño Bacon Deviled Eggs!

        

  

                                         This is how I like to decorate Easter Eggs!!!

SUMMER ART CAMP IN NASHVILLE!

IF YOU ARE IN THE NASHVILLE AREA...YOUR KIDS HAVE GOT TO COME TO ART AL SOL THIS SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I use to teach at another location for Art al Sol, and it was such a GREAT experience.  All day art with kids that want to be there creating!!!!!!  HOW FUN IS THAT!  Plus, we get to do projects that we're not always able to do in class during the school year!!!!!!  LOOK AT THE INFO BELOW AND SIGN UP TODAY!!! (plus, if enough kids sign up...I'll get to teach at this location too!!!)

FOLLOW THE LINK TO SIGN UP!!!

http://www.mnps.org/Page57583.aspx

“Art al Sol” is a five day visual arts summer camp program for students who are interested in exploring the visual arts and being challenged with arts activities that are not readily available in the art classroom. Students need to be present for the entire five day session. At 2:00 p.m. on the final day of each session, students will host a reception to show family and friends what they have made and learned during Art al Sol.

PARTICIPATION

This program requires students to be self-disciplined and have the ability to work independently. If the instructors find a student lacks the maturity to handle the camp schedule of activities, the student’s parents will be asked to withdraw the student. Fees are non-refundable.

CAMP FEE

$150 (non-refundable) Camp Fees are used to cover the cost of the t-shirt, art supplies and teachers’ salaries. Please make checks payable toMetro Nashville Public Schools.

Send Application and Fee to:
Visual and Performing Arts B - 308
2601 Bransford Avenue
Nashville, TN 37204

http://www.mnps.org/Page57583.aspx

Date:	Session I - June 16 - 20, 2014 Session II - June 23- 27, 2014
Registration Deadline:	Early Bird - March 14 Application and Payment May 1, 2013
Locations:	Hillsboro High School 3812 Hillsboro Road Nashville, TN 37215
Ages:	Session I - Ages 8-10 Session II - Ages 10 - 16

http://www.mnps.org/Page57583.aspx

New Evaluation System

I've been busy trying to finish up my portfolio for the new arts evaluation system we're doing in MNPS(and a chunk of TN).  I have loved reflecting on my teaching...and seeing the gains my students have made!!  Here is an example from Kindergarten.  The first picture is from Aug...and the second from Jan!!!  

Jasper Johns Inspired

                       

Jasper Johns inspired work in 3rd Grade.  I took a good bit of time to instruct the students on using a ruler to create a grid. So many seem to have never held a ruler before?!?!  We then worked on box & bubble letters.  Some struggled..but over all did a great job.  We used to water color pencils to color.

Coil Pots: 2nd Grade

Coil Pot Time!!!  I love creating coil pots!! In college I made one that was 25 lbs of clay!!! I have placed a link to my coil pot posts from the past...and one is a step by step if you are not a clay person!!  I hope it helps!!

http://www.artwithmre.com/search/label/Coil%20Pots  

Picasso Me: Kindergarten

My kindergarten classes are great this year!  I decided I'd do some Picasso inspired self portraits with them this week.  We discussed Dora-Maar, and how she did not look "normal".  We talked about the different perspectives showed in the work..and the unusual color choices.  I was amazed by how many found the humor in making themselves "not normal".  In the past, my kindergarten students had a hard time grasping anything other than realism. This group is all in...and I'm excited to introduce them to some other abstracted works!!!  

Ticonderoga Pencil Sharpener!

        

You probably have read about my dislike of electric pencil sharpeners.  I just haven't found one that lasted for any length of time.  They all over heat once I sharpen a dozen pencils?!?!?!  However, my favorite pencil company now has an electric pencil sharpener!!!  I sharpened a dozen pencils to perfection in the blink of an eye.  My only "issue" is that the holding tank for the pencil shavings is a bit small for sharpening mass amounts of pencils. Twelve made it pretty packed...two dozen I had to empty it twice.  My hope is they make a classroom size one!! None the less..it is a good product made by a great company.  It will be sold on Amazon from what I understand in the next month or so...keep an eye out for it!

Finishing Our Clay Facades: 4th Grade

We ran out of time last nine weeks to finish our clay facades...so we kicked off the new nine weeks finishing them up.  I had my students use a gouache to paint their clay, and then we used a tempera varnish to finish them off.  I feel the tempera varnish is a more economical way to complete the pieces. A little goes a long way..and I find it over all a little cheaper to purchase than clear acrylic.  With no hood on my kiln....and limited budget....glaze is not a great option for me at this time!  

     

  

Mr. E Asks 3: Phil Hansen

After Phil Hansen's session at NAEA San Diego, I asked him if I could do a mini-interview with him via e-mail.  He told me that would be great...and then was whisked off to do a book signing.  I wasn't sure if he'd really remember...or have time for my questions.  He is a busy guy & all!!!  True to his word...he replied to my e-mail (The day after I sent it!!!! WOW!!! He continues to impress me!!!!!).  He is much more than his TED talk....that is only a nice introduction.  I'm so glad I was able to meet him, and look forward to his future work, his site gbaacademy.com, and hopefully meet up with him again.  He's the type of guy you wanna grab some Starbucks with & just hang out. 

So here is my first ever...

MR. E ASKS 3: Phil Hansen

Question 1:  What has been your favorite unusual media to work with?

Phil: Working with the worms was my favorite unusual media by far.  If you can even call it a medium.  ha!  It was such a challenge to learn the best way and how to capture it on camera.

Question 2:  Do you duplicate media or do you move on after mastering something new?

Phil:  I occasionally use a media multiple times.  this is most often seen in the text work I do.  I find it to be the most challenging and engaging work I do.  

Question 3:  If you were to speak to a frustrated artist...what word 

of advice/inspiration would you give them?

Phil:  Simply keep pushing and you'll break through, have an epiphany, or discover a new direction at some point.  This really can't be understated.  Fighting our own fatigue/block/struggles is a fight worth having!  

THANK YOU SO MUCH PHIL HANSEN!!! I SO APPRECIATE YOUR TIME, THOUGHT, AND WILLINGNESS TO SHARE!!!!  

Make sure to check out his book  

While going through my stuff....

                                  

I was going through one of my school bags I took to San Diego, and found these!! Haha!  This is Donna Staten...you may know her as the Art Ed Queen of Pinterest!!!!  We were having a great time in Faber-Castell's Photo Booth!!!  If you've never been to the National Convention...it is a whole lot of fun!  You get to spend time with some great people too!!!  Thanks for snappin' some pics with me Donna!!!!!  

NAEA Survey

Those of you who attended NAEA San Diego...don't forget to fill out your survey!! 

I would love to do a large session!!! So, if any of you have yet to fill out the survey..there is a section where you can recommend people you'd like to hear at general sessions, super sessions, and such.  WRITE ME IN!!! :) ha ha I'm not above asking!! ha ha  I really would love to do a large session!!!!! 

*************************************

 Also if you came to my session on A Blog People Want To Read at the convention...PLEASE FILL OUT THE RATING ON THE CONVENTION APP!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!

Phil Hansen: Embrace the Shake

You may have heard of the TED video, Embrace the Shake.  Phil Hansen is an amazing and inspiring artist & speaker. He now has an amazing new website... www.gbaacademy.com . Check it out!  

     

     

HERE IS THE TED TALK VIDEO!

If you have not seen this video...and it doesn't matter if you are an artist or art teacher....it is inspiring!!  

Those attending my session..

                                   

 So those of you attending my session... A Blog People Want To Read 2pm Room 24C...there will be door prizes if you can accomplish a task for me!!  The first three people that bring me a picture of a turtle you've drawn(I have a turtle thing)...and signed....will get the door prizes.  I may also ask some questions that you'd only know if you've kept up with my blog if I do not get my turtle pictures!!  

Blogger Meet & Greet

                           

                     Come meet some of your fav. bloggers at the AOE booth!!!  11 to 12 today!!  

Faber-Castell

             

I love free stuff!! Faber-Castell hooked me up!!  They are even going to send it to Nashville for me!  They know I'll review it on here.....and I'm good with that!  Thank You Faber-Castell!!! Can't wait!

FLIP IT @campbellartsoup

                             

Janine Campbell is AMAZING!! Her presentation was amazing...her enthusiasm is infection!!  Follow her on Twitter @campbellartsoup  or follow her blog at www.janinecampbell.weebly.com Be amazed by what is going in this middle school teacher's art world.

Photobomb Phyl!

                                    

Do you know Phyl?  She is the blogger behind There's a Dragon in My Art Room!  We have been blog buddies for several years now..but have never met...till tonight!  She is as lively & fun as I thought she'd be!!!  What a joy to be able to actually spend some time with great people like Phyl! I love NAEA14!! Stay tuned....much more to come.  Oh...and go to my blog roll to the left & look up Phyl's blog!!